Destinations

We set out to get under the skin of the 130 destinations that we visit, from Egypt to Jamaica and from Bolivia to Japan. Combining the must-sees with the who-knews, we provide authentic travel experiences across the globe.

Destinations

Africa

Discover the vast, diverse continent that is Africa. Navigate through aromatic medinas, drive across stretching golden plains in search of the Big Five and discover tribal cultures. We challenge you not to fall in love.

Asia

Asia offers a heady mix of diverse traditions, religions, cuisine and architecture. Iconic monuments from the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal, and scenery from Indonesian rice paddies to the staggering Himalaya, give a flavour of its variety.

Australasia

Australasia is a region of vibrant colour, staggering landscapes and contrasting cultures. Compact yet varied, New Zealand is all about the great outdoors. It's best explored on foot, where you'll cover lakes and mountains, coasts and glaciers.

Europe

From the windswept Atlantic coast to the vast taiga forests in the east, and from the polar tundra to the sun-kissed Mediterranean, Europe's variety is second to none. The diversity of its cuisine, culture and climate mirrors that of its landscape.

Middle East

The Middle East is a heady concoction of welcoming people, ancient sites, stunning desert scenery and delicious food. Uncover history that spans millenia in colossal archaeological sites and sleep under starlit skies in the Arabian desert.

North America

North America is home to dynamic cities, rich cultural diversity and inspiring National Parks. From the canyons and deserts of the USA to Canada's Rocky Mountains and Alaska's wildlife, North America's charms are hard to resist.

Central America

The thin strip of land connecting North and South America contains eight countries packed with fascinating Mayan history, colourful modern cultures and pristine beaches. Here the rainforests, cloud forests and barrier reef bustle with biodiversity.

Caribbean

Fields of sugar cane, rum distilleries, freshly-cooked fish and jerk chicken and a laid-back attitude to life - there's lots to love about Caribbean holidays. And that's without even mentioning the glittering azure waters and miles of sandy beaches.

South America

South America is a continent of superlatives. Explore the world's largest rainforest and marvel at its highest waterfall. Walk its longest mountain range and discover its highest capital city. All washed down with hearty food and world-class wines.

Experiences

Adventure doesn't have to take you out of your comfort zone; from activities like zip-wiring in Costa Rica, to tasting local dishes in Italy and staying with local families in Peru, there's a little adventure to be found on all our travels.

Experiences

Worldwide Adventures

Our discovery tours take in ancient and contemporary cultures, inspiring landscapes, iconic sites and hidden gems. Visit remote tribes in India's Nagaland, live the nomadic life in desert camps or stay with local families in the Mekong Delta.

Wildlife Tours

Come face-to-face with mountain gorillas in Uganda, search for rhino in Swaziland or swim with sea lions in the Galapagos. We've put together 100 wildlife trips across all seven continents, from long weekends in Finland to epic Polar expeditions.

Why book this trip?

Bolivia has to be one of the most stunningly beautiful countries in Latin America - a country full of epic scenery, fascinating indigenous cultures, and wild and remote landscapes unlike anything you'll see elsewhere. The salt flats of Uyuni are perhaps the most dazzling, but Lake Titicaca's expanse of blue encircling the rugged rocks of the Sun Island, and Sajama's snow-capped volcanoes popping out of the vast wilderness of the altiplano are just two of the other grand vistas on offer in this brilliant country. Travelling mainly in 4WD vehicles, the best way to capture Bolivia has to be through the camera lens. On this trip we are accompanied by our photographer James Brunker, one of Explore's Tour Leaders who fell in love with the country and has now become a Bolivian national, living in La Paz. James now owns his own photography company, and there could be no one more suited to helping you get the perfect photographs of this impressive destination.

There's no need to be a pro with a camera on this trip - even if you're not a photography enthusiast you will spend each day exploring Bolivia's spectacular scenery. The great photos are just a bonus!

Included meals

Breakfast: 13

Lunch: 12

Dinner: 10

Trip staff

Explore Tour Leader

Driver(s)

Local Guide(s)

Transport

Bus

4WD

Boat

Cable Car

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Accommodation

11 nights standard hotel

2 nights simple hotel

1 nights premium hotel

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Trip pace:

Full on

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Group Size:

8 - 12

Bolivia Photography Adventure

View Map

Itinerary

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Customers who have booked their own flights will arrive and check-in at the first night's accommodation in La Paz. Customers who have booked flights through Explore will spend the first night of the trip on an overnight flight.

Accommodation:

Hotel Rosario (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Free morning; afternoon walk of the city

This morning sees the arrival of any customers who have booked flights through Explore. After a free morning to relax and catch up on sleep, this afternoon we will take a leisurely walking tour of the bowl-shaped 'city that touches the sky', with the downtown area located at around 3600m altitude. Luckily our walk is all downhill! This is a walking tour with a difference, as we are joined by two of the city's shoe shiners to take us through the popular local neighbourhoods and markets of La Paz, including the popular 'Belen dining room' where rows of food stalls sell lunches very cheaply to the working population in the area. It provides a fascinating look at this mad city, outside of the usual tourist routes. Our Explore Leader will be on hand to translate from Spanish.

Accommodation:

Hotel Rosario (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 3 - Free morning; afternoon hike in Palca Canyon

Our centrally located hotel is an excellent point from which to explore La Paz's downtown area on our free morning, including the Witches Market, the beautifully decorated San Francisco Church, or to discover the Pre-Columbian artefacts in the Museo de Oro. We're waiting for the good light in the afternoon to set off to the atmospherically named Valley of the Spirits, around 1 hour to the southeast of La Paz city. From our stopping point we set off on a 3 hour hike into Palca Canyon. It starts off with a roughly 5km downhill across farmland paths, descending into the canyon as its gothic spires and rugged rock formations rise above us, some almost 200 metres tall. The roughly 3km long rocky path winds and twists through the canyon floor, as the silence echoes around us, before arriving into the village of Palca, which lies below the impressive Mt Illimani, offering spectacular sunset shots over the canyon before our return to La Paz.

Accommodation:

Hotel Rosario (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 - Drive and boat to the Island of the Sun, Lake Titicaca

From La Paz we head towards the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca. At 3810m it is the highest navigable lake in the world and its sacred waters have long been a site of religious ritual and devotion for the Aymara and Quechua populations that make the lake their home. Our journey takes us to the town of Copacabana, a place of mystic reverence since the times of the Tiahuanaco, and now a pilgrimage site for many Christians. We explore the Virgen Morena and its church before boarding our boat to the Island of the Sun, landing in Huacani port. Here we are treated to a typical 'aptapi' - a traditional indigenous lunch usually involving potatoes, corn, lima beans, trout or chicken, cooked up and served on a communal table. After lunch we jump back onto the boat where we land at the Pilkokaina Ruins and walk up to our incredibly situated eco-lodge, where we will be spending the night (approx. 200m ascent +1-1.5 hrs of walking at high altitude). You will be carrying an overnight bag with you on this walk and we will have the assistance of mules or donkeys. In order to not overload the animals, we will bring only what is necessary for one night and leave any extra luggage in Copacabana. If you have expensive photography equipment we do recommend that you bring it with you.

Accommodation:

Ecolodge La Estancia (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Boat to the Island of the Moon and visit to ruins; scenic hike on Isla del Sol

The Isla del Sol is the largest of the islands that lie dotted around this spectacular lake, lying just off the Copacabana Peninsula. The island is covered with nearly 200 archaeological sites that attest to the importance placed on this site by the ancient Incas. This morning, we take a short hike in the morning to discover the vistas over the lake, before walking down to the port and taking a boat to the neighbouring Island of the Moon. Here, the ruins of Inak Uyu (Temple of the Moon) are a very well preserved nod back to the island's ancient history, and an excellent place to take a hike up for more stunning views over the islands. It's a short but steep hike that takes us above Inak Uyu to the island's peak.

We return later this afternoon to the Island of the Sun, and walk back to our ecolodge. Photo opportunities are plentiful and as always James will be on hand to help us make the most of them.

Accommodation:

Ecolodge La Estancia (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Return to La Paz by boat, bus and cable car

This morning we return across the lake to Copacabana by boat, and then by bus to La Paz, a 4 hour journey. On arrival into El Alto, a city in itself just to the north of La Paz, we will get off the bus and take two cable cars down to the hotel - a quicker and more scenic way to arrive!

Accommodation:

Hotel Rosario (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 7 - 4WD journey to Sajama National Park; photos on the wetlands

We have an early start today as we jump into 4WD vehicles, heading south out of La Paz, crossing the highlands and the waters of the Desaguadero River. After approximately two hours we visit the old adobe church of the village of Curahuara de Carangas (which the Lonely Planet terms 'the Sistine Chapel of the Altiplano'!). Luck permitting, the church should be open for us to see the 17th-century murals that depict typical mestizo themes - a mixture of Spanish Catholic and indigenous cultures - including the three kings visiting Jesus with their llama train. Situated in the middle of nowhere, the remoteness will become a theme over the next few days - the landscapes in this area are fantastic. We'll be stopping on our drive to explore valleys of rocks with great formations caused by wind erosion, as well as some ancient burial towers, or Chullpas, found en route. We continue to the National Park (at approximately 4200m altitude) and our simple accommodation to check-in, before heading out again in the afternoon. We enjoy a hike in the surroundings of the National Park to see the wetlands formed by water coming off the glaciers, ideal for raising llama, alpaca and vicuna, which are plentiful on the shrub of the altiplano. The conical volcano of Sajama is ever present, looming in the background and adding some grandeur to our pictures.

Accommodation:

Ecolodge Tomarapi (or similar)

Grade:
Simple Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Andean flamingos on the Laguna Saquewa; drive to hot springs

Starting off at the Macaya church, we head to the Lauca River where we find some 20 pre-Hispanic burial towers, each decorated with a striking geometric pattern that looks quite incongruous against the sparse background. It's a shot of civilisation in the wilderness. We then head to the Laguna Saquewa in our vehicles, where Andean flamingos roam, before visiting the naturally occurring hot springs where we can take a dip whilst taking in the magnificent views of Mt Sajama.

Accommodation:

Ecolodge Tomarapi (or similar)

Grade:
Simple Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Head to Tahua at the base of the Tunupa volcano

We have a long day of driving today, as we have an 8 hour journey from Sajama to the small village of Tahua, situated at the north of the Uyuni Salt Flat and beneath the Volcano Tunupa. En route there are many stopping points for photos, one of which is at the Coipasa Salt Lake - Bolivia's largest salt flat after Uyuni, where thousands of flamingos have inhabited the shores. Despite the proximity to Uyuni and the salt flats, the whole area from Sajama to Tahua is quite free of tourists, and it is surrounded by impressive mountain scenes. There are some small communities to discover en route. We plan to arrive at Tahua in time to see the sun set.

Accommodation:

Hotel Tayka de Sal (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Exploring Bolivia's immense, other-worldly salt-flats is an unforgettable and surreal experience. We'll be aiming to get to Incahuasi Island, in the centre of the flats, to capture the sunrise as it appears over the mountains in the distance. Once the sun has risen, we'll explore the island a little - the cacti here have been here for millennia, and the tallest towers 9 metres above the floor of the plains. Heading down back to our 4x4s, we drive onto the blinding-white plains where the sky seems to almost disappear into the land. There will be several stops on the salt lake - the flat light in the middle of the day has an interesting effect on perspective, which sometimes the guides like to play around with. It can be cheesy but makes a memorable photo. After a few hours enjoying the flats, we continue to San Pedro de Quemes (approx. 4,000m altitude) where we can spend the afternoon relaxing after our early start and enjoying the remote location, only a few metres from the historical ruins of the 'Pueblo Quemado' (burnt town) of San Pedro.

Accommodation:

Hotel Tayka de Piedra (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 - Discover colourful deserts and lagoons

Home to three different types of flamingos (Andino, James and Chilean), as well as many other species of birds and wild ducks, today we visit a chain of lagoons that are a pocket of life in the wilderness. One of the lagoons, the Laguna Hedionda, is so called for its sulphurous odour (hedionda means foul-smelling), and it is also one of the highest points of our trip at 4531m altitude. After the last lagoon, we enter the Siloli Desert, a barren stretch of land without roads or tracks, where the bright oranges, rusts, browns, reds and coffee colours pop out against the blue sky. Our hotel for the night appears as if out of nowhere - given the remote setting, the rooms are basic compared to a city hotel, but the views from the communal areas are simply stunning.

Accommodation:

Hotel Tayka del Desierto (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 - Visit the geysers and Red and Green Lagoons in the Eduardo Abaroa National Reserve

Right at the bottom of the country, near the Chilean border, lies the Eduardo Abaroa National Reserve, an extreme otherworldly wonderland of volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, lakes, fumaroles and birdlife that is one of Bolivia's most important protected areas. One of our key spots for today is the Red Lagoon, a shallow salt lake which takes its name from the deep red algae that covers its breadth. It was declared a RAMSAR site (a wetland of international importance) due to the nesting of over 30,000 flamingos within its waters, their pink feathers blending into the red of the water. The Laguna Verde on the other hand, varies its colour from turquoise to dark emerald depending on the wind, which disturbs the minerals and sediments as it whistles past. The colour is intense next to the imposing mountains that emerge from the shore. The Reserve is stuffed full of impressive sites, and we'll also be able to watch the rumbling and bubbling of the Sol de Manana geysers, as well as heading to the Challviri hot springs and the 'Salvador Dali' Desert, a barren valley whose landscapes resemble the artist's famous surrealist paintings. We continue to Villamar and our hotel.

Accommodation:

Hotel Jardines de Mallku Cueva (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 - See the atmospheric train cemetery; sleep in a salt hotel

After a couple of days of early starts, we'll have a lie-in this morning. Alternatively the area around the hotel is very scenic, and there is the opportunity to have a walk around and capture some more images within this wild landscape. In the mid-morning we head back north up to the salt flat again, through the giant rock formations of the Valle de las Rocas. We stop along the way for some photographic opportunities, passing through the small villages of Culpina and Alota, through a landscape peppered with volcanoes and lagoons, and on to the train cemetery near Uyuni. This atmospheric place is a relic of the time when Uyuni was a distribution hub for trains transporting goods through Bolivia to the Pacific Ocean. Now it's a quirky stop with some great photo potential as the rusting carcasses of these ancient trains sit almost beached up on the high plains, backed by mountains in the distance. We'll arrive at our hotel at about 4pm this afternoon - impressively located right on the edge of Uyuni's salt flat, and even more impressively, made completely out of salt, right down to the llama sculptures in the hallways! We will be doing a night photography session on the flats this evening, hopefully with maximum starlight!

Accommodation:

Hotel Palacio de Sal (or similar)

Grade:
Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 - Drive back to La Paz; evening folk show and dinner

We have a full day's drive today, as we return to La Paz from Uyuni. It usually takes about 8-10 hours, but there will of course be points to stop en route. The final meal for this evening is at a folk show in the centre of La Paz, where we can experience the diversity of folkloric singing and dancing from across the different climatic zones of the country, from the Andes to the valley and the tropical regions. The performers play handmade instruments such as zamponas (bamboo flutes) and charangos (small guitars made of wood or armadillo skin).

Accommodation:

Hotel Rosario (or similar)

Grade:
Standard Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 - Trip ends in La Paz

Our trip ends this morning at the hotel in La Paz. If you've booked your flights with Explore, there may be a long wait in the airport in Lima due to the flight timings from La Paz. We've included a city tour in Lima so that you can explore this lively coastal city. You'll discover the San Francisco Monastery, one of the most spectacular colonial churches in Lima, where you'll visit the catacombs. In the Old Town you discover the main square, where the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace and City Hall buildings are all located - testament to the city's tradition of fine architecture. The tour goes all the way out to the modern district of San Isidro, where you'll see the pre Incan pyramid of Huaca Huallamarca and its distinctive adobe constructions. Finally, finishing in the Miraflores district we'll have chance to grab lunch in one of the city's many restaurants. It's well worth trying the local dish - ceviche - a delicious mixture of fish marinated in lime juice, with corn, red onions and other accompaniments. You'll be taken back to the airport for your flight home at the end of the tour.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Country information

Bolivia

Climate

Conditions vary from region to region and with altitude. Bear in mind that at high altitude temperatures can drop dramatically, and conditions can change suddenly. Inland Bolivia is generally hot and humid from October to March (summer); temperatures are milder from April to September (winter). In the highlands there is a rainy season from December to March and it is normally dry for the rest of year which is the best time for mountain travel.

Time difference to GMT

-4

Plugs

3 Pin Flat

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Spanish

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

As everything on this tour is included, there is very little down time for extra excursions!

Clothing

Temperatures at altitude can drop considerably, particularly at night, and you will certainly need warm clothing for the evenings (particularly for any astrophotography that we may be doing), including thermal underwear, a well-insulated fleece/jacket, a thick sweater and a hat, scarf and gloves. Bring something warm to sleep in. Lightweight raingear is essential at any time of the year. In the days temperatures can be warm, so lighter layers are useful.

Footwear

Comfortable and sturdy walking boots with good ankle support and tread are useful for the walks. Trainersandals for relaxing in.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.

Equipment

A sunhat and sunglasses are advisable, as is high factor sunscreen and lipsalve with sun protection, due to the thinness of the atmosphere. A torch will be essential, particularly a head torch, not just for the remote accommodation where power cuts can happen, but also for the sunrise visit to the Incahuasi Island, as you will be walking in the dark. Camera equipment goes without saying - please be aware that you will be hiking in some locations, for example in Palca Canyon and on the Isla del Sol, and this will be at high altitude so be realistic with the equipment that you bring. Spare batteries and memory cards are a good idea. A tripod may also be useful for night photography.

Tipping

Explore leader

Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline

Local crew

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow US$ 40, approx. 280 Bolivianos for group tipping

For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

Bolivia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Lunch price

£5

Dinner price

£8

Beer price

£1.47

Water price

£0.6

Foreign Exchange

Local currency

Boliviano. (BOB)

Recommended Currency For Exchange

You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the BOB is approximately BOB 8.70 to the British Pound.
We recommend you take some emergency cash in USD as the GBP exchange isn’t very good. Notes should be in good condition otherwise they may not be accepted.
Please check on line for up to date information

Where To Exchange

Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.

ATM Availability

ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in Boliviano. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable.

Credit Card Acceptance

Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge

Travellers Cheques

We do not recommend Travellers Cheques

Transport, Accommodation & Meals

Transport Information

Bus, 4WD, Boat, Cable Car

Accommodation notes

Some of the accommodation on this trip is a real highlight. We stay in not one, but two salt hotels. One is the incredible boutique salt hotel near Uyuni, where the domed roof of each room is made from bricks of salt, and salt statues adorn the corridors. The other is at the foot of the Volcano Tunupa, and has a more rustic feel.

You should be prepared for most of the accommodation in Sajama and around the salt flats and lagoons to be more basic - as they are at high altitude often rooms can be cold with temperamental heaters not working, and many of them work off solar power to heat water. These hotels, while sometimes lacking in amenities, make up for it with good service levels, friendly staff and amazing locations.

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions

Visa and Passport Information

Bolivia: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, and Canadian citizens. However, US citizens will require a visa. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

USA: (including those in transit) Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - where you apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which applies if you enter the country by sea or by air. This must be done on line - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.

You must have an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.

If you have visited Iraq, Syria, Iran or Sudan since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel.

Please note for your ESTA application you will be required to supply Point of Contact information. Explore' s USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. If you are leaving for the USA before this, please call the Explore team to get this information.(Not necessary if in transit)

For further information please check out the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may consider applying through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.

Booking conditions

Transfers

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will now receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.

Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Bolivia

Vaccinations

A yellow fever certificate is necessary for passengers visiting the lowlands Bolivia (BA trip). We also recommend protection against typhoid, polio, infectious hepatitis and tetanus. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Additional Information

Photography in Bolivia

One important thing to note on this trip, particularly in the cities, is that Andean people are notoriously shy – it can be difficult to take good portrait shots, and in many cases people will actively turn away from cameras. We recommend that travellers respect this and try not to be intrusive with photo-taking in the cities. Luckily you'll have no such reaction from the wildlife - llamas and alpacas are more than happy to pose for you!

5 things you might not know about Bolivia

Why book this trip

There's no need to be a pro with a camera on this trip - even if you're not a photography enthusiast there will be a local Explore Leader on the trip to get you out into the spectacular scenery. The great photos are a bonus! Supported by our expert photographer, you don't need to think about anything else as everything within the itinerary, including almost all meals, is taken care of. This means that the price given is almost all-inclusive. Everything down to the location of hotels has been chosen for its scenic potential, and proximity to Bolivia's epic landscapes.

We also have a departure set to coincide with the rainy season on Bolivia's salt flats, where the mirror-like reflections are out of this world.

Dates, prices and booking

All trips are subject to availability and prices are subject to change

All customers that travel on an Explore Group or Private Journey trip will be provided with a complimentary transfer, provided they arrive and depart into the designated airport or train station on the trip start and end dates. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule are customers who are booked on a trip where the joining and/or ending point is the airport or station. In this particular case there will be a specific time provided for when the trip starts and ends. On these particular trips, only one arrival and departure transfer will generally be provided for the whole group. Please see
free transfers for terms and conditions.

These trip joining details are provided on a provisional basis and may change prior to this tour departing. Any changes to these details will be updated on this page.
For those not eligible for a free transfer the joining / ending time and location for your trip are detailed below:

Joining Point

Town

La Paz

Time and place

8:00 PM at Hotel Reception

Ending Point

Town

La Paz

Time

9:00 AM

If you have booked a pre or post trip accommodation directly with the hotel, or through any other intermediaries, please ensure you regularly check this page in case of any changes.

Flight-inclusive price information

The price of this trip is a guide price only. The price may change due to the availability of flights and your preferred airport and airline. When you submit your booking request we will hold your place and contact you to confirm that you're happy to go ahead.